The role of obesity in the association between alcohol consumption and HDL-c Levels: Baependi Heart Study

Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) are a leading cause of global mortality, with dyslipidaemia playing a central role in their development. The effect of alcohol consumption on lipid profiles, especially high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-c), in relation to obesity status remains insufficiently studied.
A group of researchers examined the association between alcohol intake and HDL-c levels in individuals with and without obesity within a Brazilian population. The cross-sectional analysis used data from the Baependi Heart Study, involving 2,345 participants aged 18-100 years. Alcohol consumption was categorised based on weekly ethanol intake, and HDL-c levels were measured through standard biochemical methods. No significant differences were observed between alcohol consumption groups for total cholesterol, LDL-c, triacylglycerols, and fasting glucose; however, the HDL-c/LDL-c ratio was notably higher among male moderate consumers. A significant interaction was identified between obesity and moderate alcohol intake (β = 0.90, p = 0.015), suggesting that the relationship between alcohol consumption and low HDL-c varies according to obesity status. Moderate alcohol consumers showed significantly higher HDL-c levels compared to abstainers, an association that was exclusive to non-obese participants. In this group, moderate alcohol intake was linked to a 65% reduction in the odds of low HDL-c in women and a 66% reduction in men. No significant association was observed among individuals with obesity.
Overall, moderate alcohol consumption was associated with increased HDL-c levels and decreased odds of low HDL-c, particularly among those without obesity. These findings enrich the understanding of the complex interplay between alcohol intake, lipid metabolism, and adiposity.
Source: Cirino, L.E.B., Zaniqueli, D., Enriquez-Martinez, O.G., de Oliveira, C.M., da Costa Pereira, A., Siqueira, J.H., Alvim, R.O. (2026) The role of obesity in the association between alcohol consumption and HDL-c levels: Baependi Heart Study. Lipids.